I must admit when I read on the front cover the title "Tale of Two Stowaways" in the February issue, I was intrigued. I was born in Burin Bay Arm and when I was six my family moved to Ontario. I had heard repeatedly that my great-great-grandfather or possibly my great-grandfather, had stowed away (along with a buddy) on a fishing ship bound for Newfoundland. He was born in England. Both boys were discovered before the ship docked. What part of Newfoundland it was heading to, I am not sure. Anyway, the boys decided to jump ship rather than face the consequences of being shot. They swam to shore, again I am told about three miles, before they reached land. Long story short -They were both accepted by the small community and my great-great-grandfather (age 17) was taken in by a young couple who had an infant daughter. He would babysit her so her parents could go to meetings and socials. This is how he earned his keep along with other chores. Apparently he told this family that were so kind to him that when their daughter grew up he was going to marry her!! Well, his words came true, when she was seventeen and he was thirty-four they were married. I am still researching my family heritage in Newfoundland and am finding it all so fascinating and how strong and courageous Newfoundlanders were. I am so grateful for my ancestors and proud to call myself a Newfoundlander. Thanks for listening to my story :) Kind regards, Ida Haesler   Submitted By: NULL